6 Of The Most Walkable Towns In The Poconos
Usually referred to simply as "The Poconos," the Pocono Mountains region has a lot going for it. In addition to its stunning scenery and its many outdoor recreation opportunities, this lovely corner of northeastern Pennsylvania is where curious travelers will find some of the most surprisingly walkable small towns in the USA鈥檚 Mid-Atlantic region.
Spanning the counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne, the Poconos area is steeped in history, with its roots traceable back to Native American tribes and early European settlers. To experience a true taste of this beautiful region, visitors can鈥檛 do any better than pay a visit to a few of its most walkable towns. Chock-full of picturesque streets, quaint and sometimes quirky local shops, and fascinating historic sites, these six of the most walkable towns in the Poconos are guaranteed to please.
Stroudsburg
Located in Monroe County, Stroudsburg serves as the county seat and is a great place to visit for an authentic Poconos experience. The town鈥檚 walkability is a big draw for day-trippers and weekenders, with Main Street being the place to start exploring. Notable for its many fine examples of classic early American architecture, must-photograph landmarks include the Monroe County Courthouse, built in 1890, and The Sherman Theater, which opened in 1929 and is still one of the region鈥檚 most important venue spaces.
A good time to visit is during the annual Stroudfest event. Held since the 1920s on the last weekend of summer, this family-friendly event showcases local arts, crafts, music, and food. Much of the downtown is closed off to vehicle traffic for the event, making it an ideal time to explore the area on foot. Be sure to pop into the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau to get your bearings along with tips and tactics as to the best places to walk around town.
Milford
Set in an extremely picturesque spot along the Delaware River, Milford has a fascinating history dating back to the 18th century, with its well-preserved architecture providing the perfect backdrop for a leisurely urban stroll. Milford鈥檚 significance to Pennsylvania is underscored by its role as a jumping-off point for those wanting to explore the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This major natural landmark draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
Another plus for walkers is that the downtown area is relatively compact, making it easy to ditch the car for a few hours and explore on foot. Along the way are attractions like the Columns Museum, which houses artifacts from the Civil War and local history, including one of five famous Lincoln Flags that were used to decorate the President鈥檚 coffin, and Grey Towers National Historic Site, former home of Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service and a two-term Pennsylvania governor.
Jim Thorpe
Dubbed the "Switzerland of America" by clever marketers inspired by its mountainous setting, the small town of Jim Thorpe is one of the most-visited destinations in the Poconos. Named after the famous Native American athlete, it鈥檚 a great spot to explore on foot because of its Victorian-era architecture, charming narrow streets, and lovely leafy neighborhoods. Its walkability is a standout feature, with many attractions accessible by foot, including sites such as the Asa Packer Mansion and the Old Jail Museum, both of which offer glimpses into the area鈥檚 19th-century past.
Other top attractions within walking distance include the Mauch Chunk Opera House, opened in 1881 and one of the oldest vaudeville theaters in America, and St. Mark鈥檚 Episcopal Church, a Gothic Revival masterpiece built in 1869 that鈥檚 still in use by worshippers to this day. Jim Thorpe is also a hub for outdoor activities, with the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway providing picturesque train rides through the region鈥檚 rugged terrain and a perfect opportunity to rest those tired feet.
Honesdale
Like trains? Then Honesdale鈥檚 for you. It was here that the American railroad industry cut its teeth in 1829 when the Stourbridge Lion made history as the first train to offer a commercial rail service in the United States. You can view a replica of this made-in-England steam engine at the Wayne County Historical Society Museum on Main Street. To rest those feet after all that walking, hop aboard The Stourbridge Line for a scenic train ride that retraces the historic route of that first commercial locomotive run.
Other top attractions in Honesdale worth visiting include Irving Cliff, which has panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside. While fun to walk around, its hilltop setting means this is one time you might just want to take the car and make use of the public parking area provided.
Hawley
Hawley鈥檚 picture-perfect setting along the scenic Lackawaxen River makes it a must-visit Poconos destination. Once an important milling town, references to the town鈥檚 former importance to the grain industry are easy to find as you stroll, including the Hawley Silk Mill, built in 1880 and now home to shops, offices, and an arts center. A short walk away, the old Ritz Company Playhouse (yes, it鈥檚 named after the cracker company!) dates from 1933 and continues to host concerts, theatrical performances, and community events.
Other excuses to don the walking shoes here include scenic Lake Wallenpaupack which, while a popular spot for boating and fishing, also has several good trails to try out.
Delaware Water Gap
While more of a village than a town, it鈥檚 worth stretching the rules a little to include the Delaware Water Gap in this list of the most walkable communities in the Poconos. Located at the edge of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the 640 or so people who live here are among the luckiest in the state for the sheer beauty of this lovely setting.
In addition to attractions like the Antoine Dutot Museum & Gallery, which showcases local art and history, and the historic Deer Head Inn, a great place to stay and one of the oldest continuously running jazz clubs in America, the Delaware River is, of course, a huge draw. And for those wanting to really flex those leg muscles, the 2190-mile-long Appalachian Trail passes through the area.
The Final Word
Whether you鈥檙e a die-hard walker or someone who enjoys the occasional leisurely stroll, the Poconos region of Pennsylvania offers plenty of excuses to get those comfy walkers out of storage and strut your stuff. From the historic streets of Stroudsburg to the charm of Milford and the picturesque mountain setting of Jim Thorpe, each of these towns provides a unique experience for visitors. And hey, after reading about these six of the most walkable towns in the Poconos, you may even want to get yourself a new pair of walking shoes before heading out.
